TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The volcanic activities at Mount Merapi located on the border of the Special Region of Yogyakarta and Central Java have escalated on the occasion of 1 Suro or Islamic New Year 1 Muharram 1448 Hijriah, on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. The 2,968-meter-high volcano has reportedly erupted hot ash clouds twice a day.
The first ash cloud occurred at 08:55 WIB with a maximum amplitude of 21 millimeters and lasted nearly five minutes, precisely 274 seconds. This ash cloud traveled 2,000 meters towards the upstream of Kali Sat or Kali Putih.
Meanwhile, the second ash cloud eruption followed in the evening at 19:10 WIB. It also traveled the same distance, 2000 meters, towards the west, reaching the upstream of Kali Sat or Kali Putih. It recorded a maximum amplitude of 49.86 millimeters and lasted for 145.5 seconds.
The Head of the Center for Geological Disaster Research and Technology Development (BPPTKG), Agus Budi Santoso, explained that the increased activity indicates an ongoing supply of volcanic material from the mountain's interior. He added, "The magma supply is still ongoing and can trigger hot ash cloud eruptions in the potential danger zone." He also mentioned that Mount Merapi's current status is at Level III - Alert.
In addition to the ash clouds, glowing lava avalanches were observed erupting from the lava dome nine times towards the southwest, covering the areas of Kali Sat, Kali Putih, and Kali Bebeng, with the farthest distance reaching 1,900 meters. Regarding the danger zone distribution, Agus detailed the river sectors that are potentially affected directly by avalanche materials and hot ash clouds.
The southern to southwest sectors are areas with the deepest threat range that must be evacuated from all human activities. "The current potential threats are in the form of lava avalanches and hot ash clouds in the south-southwest sector covering Boyong River up to a maximum of five kilometers, Bedog River, Krasak, and Bebeng up to seven kilometers maximum," said Agus.
In the southeast sector, it covers Woro River up to a maximum of three kilometers and Gendol River up to five kilometers. Meanwhile, for the volcanic material projection if an explosive eruption occurs, it can reach a radius of three kilometers from the summit.
The secondary danger threat is cold lava floods, which also remain a primary concern. The cause is the high rainfall that had previously poured over the slope area in the past few days. Like on Saturday, June 13, 2026, when the South Slope area at Labuhan Station was hit by heavy rain throughout the afternoon until night.
Considering the unpredictable weather conditions and the accumulation of rainwater upstream, Agus reminded residents to always be aware of environmental changes, especially for those who are active near river channels. "People should refrain from any activities in the potential danger zone," he said.
Read: Mount Merapi Sees Surge in Activity With Fresh Pyroclastic Flows
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